Abstract: The present invention relates to a synchronous DC-DC power converter which may include a conversion cell including a number of switches and a single inductor, and a controller. The controller is configured to control a cycle of conversion of the conversion cell of the converter with multiple phases by controlling each of the switches.

Abstract: A facility for insuring information currentness is described. The facility receives from a party a request to submit an invoice. In response to receiving a request, the facility tests the currentness of information to be provided by the party. The facility permits the party to submit an invoice in connection with the request only if the testing determines that the information to be provided by the party is current.

Abstract: A modular smart packaging case comprising reversibly attachable electronics and detection modules is disclosed. The detection module includes a sensor array for monitoring the state of a blister pack containing a plurality of product units. The electronics module contains the high-value electronics required to read the sensors of the array, process the sensor output, and enable communications to and from the case. The electronics module and detection module are operatively coupled via a universal interface that enables the same electronics module to operate with a plurality of detection modules of different configurations. In some embodiments, the electronics module operatively couples with multiple detection modules.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of an object, the apparatus having a print bed, a stencil, a heater arranged to heat the stencil, and a squeegee. The stencil comprises one or more apertures and is positionable over the print bed. The squeegee is movable to spread a printing material across the stencil and to thereby force printing material through the stencil aperture(s). One or both of the stencil and the print bed is movable to adjust the spacing between the stencil and the print bed.

Abstract: Fire protection and suppression apparatus, materials, systems and methods of use thereof are disclosed. In fire extinguishing applications, a convergent-divergent nozzle is incorporated into a pyrotechnic aerosol generator to improve the discharge characteristics when combined with air induction, reduced quantity of cooling media, and re-shaped agent/combustion chamber for longer discharge duration. In fire extinguishing applications, aerosol extinguishing agent in sheets, panels or other forms can be placed inside an enclosure that may have a fire. Once initiated, the aerosol extinguishing material will burn to create and directly disperse the aerosol particulate that can extinguish the fire. Initiation of the aerosol agent can be by flames or heat from an unwanted fire. Alternative methods of initiation include electric initiators that are signaled by automatic fire detection systems, electric manual methods, or mechanical/thermal initiators.

Abstract: Fire protection and suppression apparatus, materials, systems, and methods of use thereof are disclosed. In fire extinguishing applications, aerosol extinguishing agent in sheets, panels or other forms can be placed in a variety of implementations, including one or more of, but not limited to, inside an enclosure that contains a fire hazard, in an interior of a fire hazard itself, incorporated into a structure of a fire hazard. Once initiated, the aerosol extinguishing material will burn to create and directly disperse the aerosol particulate that can extinguish the fire. Initiation of the aerosol agent can be by flames or heat from an unwanted fire. Alternative methods of initiation include electric initiators that are signaled by automatic fire detection systems, electric manual methods, or mechanical/thermal initiators.

Abstract: A modular smart packaging case comprising reversibly attachable electronics and detection modules is disclosed. The detection module includes a sensor array for monitoring the state of a blister pack containing a plurality of product units. The electronics module contains the high-value electronics required to read the sensors of the array, process the sensor output, and enable communications to and from the case. The electronics module and detection module are operatively coupled via a universal interface that enables the same electronics module to operate with a plurality of detection modules of different configurations. In some embodiments, the electronics module operatively couples with multiple detection modules.

Abstract: A modular smart packaging case comprising reversibly attachable electronics and detection modules is disclosed. The detection module includes a sensor array for monitoring the state of a blister pack containing a plurality of product units. The electronics module contains the high-value electronics required to read the sensors of the array, process the sensor output, and enable communications to and from the case. The electronics module and detection module are operatively coupled via a universal interface that enables the same electronics module to operate with a plurality of detection modules of different configurations. In some embodiments, the electronics module operatively couples with multiple detection modules.

Abstract: Fire extinguishing systems and methods, such as for combating compartment fires, can include or use wet and dry agents such as water droplets and aerosol-based particulate extinguisher agents. In an example, an extinguishing system includes a centralized extinguishing controller that can selectively provide the wet and dry agents to a compartment or environment. In other examples, dedicated dispenser systems separately, but optionally concurrently, provide water and aerosol-based agents to combat a compartment fire.

Abstract: A facility for insuring information currentness is described. The facility receives from a party a request to submit an invoice. In response to receiving a request, the facility tests the currentness of information to be provided by the party. The facility permits the party to submit an invoice in connection with the request only if the testing determines that the information to be provided by the party is current.

Abstract: A facility for insuring information currentness is described. The facility receives from a party a request to submit an invoice. In response to receiving a request, the facility tests the currentness of information to be provided by the party. The facility permits the party to submit an invoice in connection with the request only if the testing determines that the information to be provided by the party is current.

Abstract: A modular smart packaging case comprising reversibly attachable electronics and detection modules is disclosed. The detection module includes a sensor array for monitoring the state of a blister pack containing a plurality of product units. The electronics module contains the high-value electronics required to read the sensors of the array, process the sensor output, and enable communications to and from the case. The electronics module and detection module are operatively coupled via a universal interface that enables the same electronics module to operate with a plurality of detection modules of different configurations. In some embodiments, the electronics module operatively couples with multiple detection modules.

Abstract: This application describes methods and apparatus for achieving voltage balancing of clamp capacitors of director switch units of a voltage source converter (VSC). An arm or director switch may be formed from a number of director switch units connected in series, each director switch unit having a semiconductor switching element such as an IGBT. Typically a clamp capacitor may be connected across the IGBT. In some arrangements a floating power supply may draw power from the clamp capacitor to provide power for the director switch unit. In the present application the director switch unit is operable in a voltage balancing mode such that the power drawn from the clamp capacitor varies based on the voltage across the clamp capacitor. In this way the power demand for power drawn from the clamp capacitor may have the characteristic of a resistive load.

Abstract: A power transmission network including a single-phase or multi-phase AC electrical system, a converter including an AC terminal, a point of common coupling, a phase reactance connecting the common coupling to each AC terminal, and a transmission medium to interconnect the common coupling and the electrical system. The network includes a controller to: process the voltage and current at the common coupling to compute a state vector; derive a converter demand by combining the state vector with control parameters, including the capacitance of the power transmission medium presented at the common coupling and the impedance of the phase reactance; and operate the converter according to demand controlling the voltage at each terminal and/or the common coupling to inhibit any perturbation in the converter voltage from a target converter voltage or range resulting from the interaction between the capacitance of the power transmission medium and the impedance of the phase reactance.

Abstract: Fire extinguishing systems and methods, such as for combating compartment fires, can include or use wet and dry agents such as water droplets and aerosol-based particulate extinguisher agents. In an example, an extinguishing system includes a centralized extinguishing controller that can selectively provide the wet and dry agents to a compartment or environment. In other examples, dedicated dispenser systems separately, but optionally concurrently, provide water and aerosol-based agents to combat a compartment fire.